Monroe served as Pierce Transit’s chief executive officer from 1981 until his retirement in 2006, which included the transition from the City of Tacoma to an independent municipal corporation with expanded service and facilities. He will serve a four-year term on the citizen panel.

“Don is a respected expert in mass transit systems, and he is an excellent choice for the Citizen Oversight Panel, which plays an important role for Sound Transit,” Executive McCarthy said.

The 15-member Citizen Oversight Panel was created in 1997 to monitor Sound Transit’s performance in building and operating a regional bus, light rail and commuter rail transit system.

“Our job is to ask tough questions, dive into the details, and share recommendations with the Sound Transit Board,” Monroe said. “I will represent the interests of Pierce County and all Central Puget Sound residents while monitoring Sound Transit’s commitments to voters.”

Monroe, who lives in University Place, previously served as general manager for the Broward County Mass Transit Division and ICG Railroad Commuter Rail Division.